Here’s the truth about chipping: Square contact is important, but if you fail to deliver the clubhead on the correct angle of attack, you’ll still hit flubs or skulls. It takes some players years to get this right. You’ll have it down in 30 seconds.
P.S. For higher chips, set the rod (and the shaft) nearly straight up and down. For low runners, point the rod and shaft toward the target.
1. SET THE ANGLE: GIVE YOURSELF A VISUAL CUE
Set up for the type of chip you want to hit—say, a high flyer or a low roller. Have a friend set an alignment rod in the ground and match its lean to the angle of the clubshaft.
2. MAKE A MATCH: ALIGN THE CLUBSHAFT AND THE STICK
Start your swing, keeping the image of the alignment rod in your mind’s eye. Your goal? Try to match the lean of the shaft with the lean of the rod as you approach impact. Don’t think! Simply react to the mental picture.
3. KEEP AT IT: YOU’LL MATCH IT UP IN NO TIME
By re-creating at impact the address-position angle of the shaft, you avoid getting too “flippy” through impact or creating too much shaft lean as you strike the ball (hello, dig!). Your chips are now ready to serve—extra crispy.
